In its sixth year, the Americas Chef Competition has become one of the major highlights of the Americas Food & Beverage Show. Chefs from as far as Canada and Argentina will contend for the coveted title of “Best Chef in the Americas.”

Sanctioned by the American Culinary Federation (ACF), the largest professional chefs’ organization in North America, the competition adheres to its strict standards, which are accepted globally. Open to professionals and students alike, it is recommended, although not required, that chefs compete in teams of two.

Chefs participating in this year’s event include a duo from the U.S. Coast Guard’s Culinary Team, two Peruvian teams, and teams from Mexico, Argentina and Barbados. Student chefs from Johnson Wales, Le Cordon Bleu and Don Ignacio are likely to participate as well. Organizers of the event — ACF and the World Trade Center Miami — are currently seeking student and professional teams. Interested qualified candidates should contact the World Trade Center Miami via email at americaschef@worldtrade.org. Please note deadline for chef submissions is October 4, 2010.

Competing teams must put together and prepare six plates of appetizers and four plates of entrees based on specific categories. This year’s categories include a mystery protein item, to be revealed on-site. The judges will base their decisions on serving methods and presentation, portion size, nutritional balance, ingredient compatibility, creativity, flavor, taste and texture, menu composition and progression of courses. Teams of two have 90 minutes to set-up, cook, plate, serve the judges, clean up and be out of the kitchen.

All judging is performed by an accredited ACF judging panel headed by nationally prominent executive chef David St. John Grubb. Ringside seats are free with admission to the Americas Food & Beverage Show. Registration for the 14th Americas Food & Beverage Show is open online at www.americasfoodandbeverage.com.